Callaway Mack Daddy MD4 Wedge Review

It comes as little surprise that tour players not even sponsored by Callaway have put the Mack Daddy 4 in their bags. With Groove-In-Groove technology and such a multitude of loft, grind and bounce options, the Mack Daddy 4 has risen to the top of the wedge market for players of all abilities. With so much versatility and playability, it’s little wonder this wedge received a Gold Rating on this year’s Golf Digest Hot List.
Groove-In-Groove Technology accomplishes what other manufacturers have tried, but not always succeeded in doing since the elimination of square grooves in 2010. In the Mack Daddy 4, Callaway has inserted three “micro positive” grooves or ridges in between each of its normal-sized grooves. What does “micro positive” mean? 

Instead of grooves that are inverted into the face, “micro positive” grooves protrude slightly outward from the face. The result is greater surface area on the face and 84 contact points with the ball at impact resulting in substantially greater spin on full shots compared to other wedges on the market.

The Mack Daddy 4 features four different grinds (C, S, W, and X) that are suited for golfers of all skill levels. The C-grind features less bounce and more heel and toe relief suitable for firm conditions or low to mid handicap players looking to play a greater variety of specialty shots around the green. The S grind has a wider sole with minimal camber at the back and moderate toe and heel relief to keep the leading edge close to the ground through impact. The W grind has the widest sole and largest bounce providing maximum forgiveness on all shots around the green. The new X grind is a narrow sole and high-bounce grind that is suitable for players with steep attack angles or that play in soft conditions.

The Callaway Mack Daddy MD4 wedges represent a significant upgrade over the previous MD3 model. Callaway has focused on improving the key aspects of wedge performance - shape, grooves, and grinds.

Compared to the MD3, the MD4 has increased offset and a slightly straighter leading edge for cleaner contact from tight lies. Callaway has also evolved its "Groove-in-Groove" technology, with the lower lofts featuring 20V grooves and the higher lofts using more aggressive 5V grooves. Additionally, Callaway has added a "micro-positive surface texture" between the main grooves to increase and provide more consistent spin, especially on partial shots.

In terms of grinds, Callaway is offering 21 different loft/bounce combinations, the most robust wedge lineup they've ever produced. The head shape has a more compact "tour-proven" profile with a medium topline and crisp leading edge. The wedges are available in two finishes - Platinum Chrome and Matte Black, both with red accents.

Callaway is positioning the MD4 as "The New Standard in Wedge Performance" and is aiming to overtake Cleveland as the #2 wedge brand in the market. While the visual changes from the MD3 are relatively subtle, the technological upgrades under the hood are significant and should provide golfers with improved spin, control, and consistency around the greens.